At Ascenda Luna, scientific progress shapes our creative direction.
Each month, our team curates a Limited Edition capsule collection inspired by the most significant scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, or paradigm-shifting research recently published across disciplines—from astrophysics to biotechnology, from archaeology to artificial intelligence.
These items remain available exclusively for 30 days, after which they are permanently retired to preserve their uniqueness and cultural relevance.
This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to honoring the human pursuit of knowledge—transforming scientific milestones into wearable storytelling.
physics
On August 1, 2025, researchers at Penn State University solved a centuries-old mystery dating back to Benjamin Franklin’s iconic kite experiment. Using advanced simulations and high-energy physics modeling, they uncovered the actual mechanism that initiates lightning in storm clouds.
Their findings show that intense electric fields within thunderclouds can accelerate free electrons to near-light speeds. These electrons then collide with atmospheric molecules, triggering a cascade of interactions—including the emission of X-rays—that ultimately give rise to a lightning bolt. This chain reaction also explains the elusive phenomenon of “dark lightning” (terrestrial gamma-ray flashes), observed by satellites but previously misunderstood.
The research marks a breakthrough not just in atmospheric science, but also in aviation safety and extreme weather forecasting.
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